For the past 5 years I’ve  participated in a “Pumpkin Project.” It started with my team and expanded from there. 

We get a pumpkin and every day during the month of October we write something for which we are grateful. Some of us post ours on social media, some don’t. I do, and on October 31^st I carve it and turn it into a jack-o-lantern for its final photo opp. 

Over the years, the same things show up although not in the same order; sometimes there appears something new to be grateful for. 

There are days when being grateful feels forced – toxic positivity is real and there was plenty of uncertainty and negativity vying for attention this year. 

Since it’s my project and I make up the rules, I put something on twice this year. I was grateful for the ability to hope. One thing I hope for is that next year I need an even bigger pumpkin.

Do you have a gratitude practice?